While youths throughout the nation prepare to launch the #EndBadGovernance demonstration on August 1, 2024, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has called to traditional rulers, heads of religious groups, and other community leaders to counsel their people against turning to violence.
The governor also voiced worries that the anticipated nationwide demonstration would turn violent, endangering the nation’s weaker and more vulnerable citizens.
He made the request to the people of Abia on Tuesday during a statewide broadcast.
Otti agreed that Nigerians had the right to demonstrate against unfavourable conditions, but he voiced worry that the initial protest organisers’ good intentions would be compromised if thugs and opportunists use the event as a cover to instigate chaos.
“While some federal economic policies, such as the elimination of the fuel subsidy, may not have yielded the expected outcomes as planned, I encourage our young people to use nonviolent methods to voice their complaints instead of turning to violence,” he said.
The governor pledged that his administration would stop at nothing to keep the people safe from injury and destruction. He also counselled Abia youths to use caution and interact with leaders through a charter of demands.
“What Abians need right now is not chaos, but a strong sense of peace and sustained development,” he declared.
“Infrastructure in Aba and Umuahia has been significantly improved by our administration; as such, it should be safeguarded against those who might try to exploit the protest and wreak havoc.”Among other promises made by our administration, the April tranche of the Wage Award has been given to Abia State civil servants. I thus implore the Abia people to refrain from violence.